OUTCASTS v LUDDINGTON - AMAZING SMILE NORTH LINDSEY LEAGUE DIVISION TWO

BY GLEN SANDS

The eagerly awaited derby match between Outcasts and Luddington saw both sides rack up the runs on a terrific track at Hirst Priory that yielded nigh on 500 runs !

Outcasts batted first and despite the early loss of Josh Bramhill who was caught by Geoff Smith off Jamie Arrowsmith for just a single they set off at an incredible pace and it was Oliver Coulman in particular who played some quite exceptional shots as he struck the ball to all parts. Along with Jamie Belton they moved the score to 76 off only seven overs and the pair quickly put together a stand of 95 in eleven overs , Coulman bringing up his half century in just 26 deliveries. He had reached 69 when he was well caught by Ben Wicks off Arron Curry with the total on 112 but there was to be no let up for the Luddington team as Scott Buttrick joined Belton to continue to plunder the runs. It was the latter who was by now in the groove and he too brought up his fifty as the score rattled on but like Coulman earlier Belton was then dismissed for 72 with a ton beckoning , leaving Outcasts on 196 for 3. There were still 12 overs remaining and Peter Tait was next to head to the middle although it was Buttrick who was next to go , splendidly caught by a diving Gareth Parkin off Geoff Smith having just brought up his half century with a towering six. Matthew Teal and Tait then took the total to 262 before the latter was superbly caught in the deep by Matthew Mellers off Curry for 21 and with a further ten runs added Curry caught Teal for 37 in the penultimate over. Russell Fletcher perished in the chase for late runs, caught by Darren Clark to earn Curry a third wicket and the innings drew to a close with the total on a remarkable 276 for 7.

Despite such a daunting target Luddington set about their run chase with gusto., racing to 26 before Joe Woolhouse was caught by Alex Fletcher off Liam McAnaney for 13. Fellow opener Darren Clark had a steely determination and along with Ben Wicks he took the game to his Saturday team mates , punishing any loose delivery with unerring accuracy. Wicks had made five when he was bowled by Alex Fletcher with the total on 78 which heralded the arrival of Andy Lawson to the crease. Clark brought up his half century as Ludd went past three figures but by then the clouds were gathering and the match was suspended for fifteen minutes as a heavy shower passed over the ground. Once back on the field Outcasts dropped their fielders deep to restrict the boundaries that had been flowing before the rain break and it proved to be a clever decision as Clark was eventually bowled by the naggingly accurate Matthew Teal for a fantastic 81. Lawson quickly followed , caught high above his head in the deep by a cock a hoop Wes Ellis off Scott Buttrick for 29 and with the boundary riders still in place Ludd's prospects of overhauling their opponents score were fading. Jamie Arrowsmith and Rick Green kept the scoreboard ticking over then Green was well caught by home skipper Liam McAnaney off Buttrick but the experienced Geoff Smith was next to the middle and he too cleverly nudged and nurdled the ball around to take his team to within three runs of 200. He had made 22 when he was bowled by Teal and with a further three runs added Teal did the same to Arrowsmith who had also hit 22 and the writing was by then on the wall.It was Teal who wrapped things up by taking the wickets of Mickey Wills , Arron Curry and Gareth Parkin , earning himself the impressive figures of 6 for 55 as Luddington were bowled out for 203 , ensuring that Outcasts maintained their three points lead at the top of the Division Two table.

Players from both sides retired to the White Hart to discuss their respective performances in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere which had been noted by umpires David Simpson and Lee Stothard after the match who complimented both teams on their conduct.
Luddington have a tough task in their next game when Alkborough travel over to play on the Isle whilst Outcasts have a week off before they play hosts to Messingham looking to continue their promotion push.